LA TRAVIATA May 2008
« back to La Traviata

The finest we've seen
Jane Blyth - Whitehall

My husband and I take our three children and their spouses to dinner and the opera every year or two and this year we chose La Traviata. They loved it, as we hoped. We have seen this opera many times, many places. Saturday the 17 was the finest, Dina Kuznetsova a standout, the death scene phenomenal. Thank you MOT.

Divine
Adel - Walled Lake

I attended Friday (May 16) night's production of La Traviata. I was amazed by Erin Wall's divine performance. Her exceptional singing capabilities and her heartfelt acting was indeed touching! I also enjoyed the performances of the other opera singers, the choreography, the costumes, the graphics and everything else. The Detroit Opera House did an overall excellent job! Bravo!

Annoying technical noise ruined it
Michiaki Yamaoka - Novi

To Detroit Opera House,

This is for the final stage of "La Traviata" on 5/18(Sun). Opera play itslf was good. But the noise from audio device in the theatre during Act II and Act III was terrible. It ruined this play completely as this high frequenvy noise is getting worse and bigger in Act III. Everyhody in the theatre complained about it after this play. This kind of technical issue in the theatre must be fixed immediately at any cost. I heard it even after this play has finished...

I've been thinking I must see the opera plays in the opera house until now. However, if this kind of things happens again, I must go to see the opera in the movie theatre instead of going to the opera house. Seeing it in the movie theatre would not have such stupid noises...

I hope Detroit Opera House would not have this kind of failure again during the play. It would ruin the good jobs of actors and musicians completely.

Thanks for your future considerations.

P.S.
I think the audience in this final play must get some compensations from this opera house. I'm really angry with this "theatre-made" disaster.

Regards,
Mitch Yamaoka

My first live opera
Alex Saeedy - Linden

What a great first live opera! I have only seen operas on PBS, and to see one in person for the first time, what magnificence! Violetta was stunning, as well as Alfredo's father. The set was beautiful, as well as the costumes. Good Job DOH!

Wall wows 'em
Shirley - Macomb

Erin Wall? Wow! What a voice. Takes your breath away just to listen to her. The sets and costuming were stuning.

Grand Opera alive and well in Michigan
Rita Manea - Taylor

It has been years that I have not seen an opera and this was a good occasion to see what is going on here in Michigan. It was a worthwhile outing. The soprano was great as well as the guy interpreting Germont, the father of Alfredo. Alfredo's voice was somewhat weak, but somewhat good for that role. The costumes, the setting up of the scenes, the ballet, everything was very well put together. I thought the Opera Lirica was an endangered specie, but as long as it is so well performed and good voices are to be found these are masterpieces for all ages, to be enjoyed by many generations to come.

Wall's voice exceptionally beautiful
Jake - Birmingham

I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing Erin Wall on Friday, May 16. What a terrific voice she has. She executed the part perfectly and her voice was of an exceptional beauty. Luis Ledesma was captivating as Germont and his voice is excellent. The ensemble did a terrific job, very believable by everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this production of La Traviata and I can't wait for next season!

Soaring
Barbara - Beverly Hills

What a wonderful production of La Traviata! On May 14th, Dina Kuznetsova soared to the rafters. Your entire cast is to be commended on acting as well as flawless and dramatic singing. Arturo Chacon-Cruz matched the matchless diva with just the right warmth of character and expressive, ringing, crescendos.

I want to sing like her
Lori Banks - Taylor

First one I have ever been too. I thought it was AWESOME. I want to sing like her. BRAVO

Dina Kuznetsova left me speechless
Jonathan Fuhrman - Northvilles

The whole performance was great, but Dina Kuznetsova's death scene was phenomenal! The way she unnaturally cut her last note short and just fell over left me speechless! I've never heard it performed like this - it was so shocking - I LOVED it!

Confusing opening scene
Mary Andrews - Farmington Hills

Dear Dr. DiChiera:

Bravissimo on your production of La Traviata. Erin Wall transfixed the audience from her first musical moment.

I would say that the opening 'dumb' scene was not reasonable nor desirable and should be eliminated. This scene creates confusion, as it is not Alfredo's misery which should be focused upon, but rather Violetta's tragic life. That is the genius that Verdi created for us to contemplate through his music. See you next season.

Soprano Erin Wall
Marlene Kondelik - Albion

I attended the May 11 matinee of 'La Traviata' and thought I would just say how much I enjoyed Erin Wall's wonderful singing. I hope we will see this soprano again at MOT.

Bravo
Han - Detroit

Another fantastic production by the Michigan Opera Theater. I thought everything was brilliant. I enjoyed every second of it. Keep up the great work. Bravo!!

Marco di Felice was sensational
Corinne Opiteck - Bingham Farms

I loved La Traviata. Marco di Felice as the Father was a significant emotional event—he was sensational, fabulous and whatever positive adjective that I know.

Read comments from other operas this season
Cyrano | Figaro | The Sleepwalker | La Rondine | La Traviata

Past season reviews
2006-07 | 2005-06

photos by John Grigaitis